Develop your paddling skills with a focused 1-hour coaching session in Portland. Whether you’re just starting out or looking to refine your sea kayaking or paddleboarding technique, this session gives you personal attention in a safe and supportive setting. With small groups and expert guidance, you’ll quickly see improvement in both confidence and ability.
Your session begins on the shoreline, where the coach will run through the basics of equipment, safety procedures, and how to get comfortable on your craft. If you’re using a kayak, you’ll cover how to hold the paddle correctly and get in and out of the boat with ease. For paddleboards, you’ll learn how to stand up steadily and find your balance. These first steps are kept simple and practical, giving you a solid foundation before heading onto the water.
Once afloat, the focus is on building core skills at your pace. You’ll practise straightforward paddle strokes to help you move forwards, backwards, and turn confidently. The coach will give clear demonstrations, then support you as you try things yourself, offering tips and adjustments where needed. Time is also spent on learning how to stop safely, control your direction, and remain stable if conditions change. By the end of the session, you’ll have the tools to move with more confidence, and the reassurance that you can handle yourself on the water.
The lesson is structured to be enjoyable as well as instructional. While you’re learning the fundamentals, there’s still room to look around, relax, and enjoy being out in the open harbour. Each small step adds up, so even if it’s your very first time, you’ll come away with noticeable progress and a sense of achievement.
Set on the Jurassic Coast, Portland is a fantastic venue for paddlesports. The sheltered waters make it perfect for focused coaching, free from the strong surf and currents you’d find in open sea conditions. It’s a place where you can progress quickly in safety, while still enjoying a beautiful coastal setting.
The harbour area is also rich in maritime history and provides wide open space with calm, flat water for paddlers of all levels. With its clear shoreline views and reliable conditions, it offers the ideal environment for building confidence and testing new techniques without the pressure of unpredictable waves.
You’ll need to be comfortable in and around water and able to swim at least 50 metres unaided. Under-18s must have a responsible adult present during the session.
No prior kayaking or paddleboarding experience is required. The coaching is tailored to each participant, so complete beginners and more experienced paddlers will all find the session beneficial.
The coaching style is designed to put the learner at the centre of the session. By keeping group sizes small and focusing on your personal goals, every lesson is adapted to your needs. The aim isn’t just to show you techniques but to help you understand how and when to apply them.
With a strong background in education, the coach ensures that learning is effective, engaging, and memorable. Whether you’re seeking a one-off lesson to boost confidence or regular sessions to steadily progress, you’ll always receive guidance that’s clear, practical, and directly relevant to your paddling.
Yes, for safety reasons you will need to be confident in the water and capable of swimming a minimum of 50 metres. This ensures that, should you end up in the water during the session, you can look after yourself until assistance arrives. Even with buoyancy aids and safety support available, a basic swimming ability is essential.
We strongly advise that anyone considering an activity on the water is honest about their swimming ability when booking. If you’re unsure of your capability, speak to us beforehand so we can advise you on the most suitable options.
For most activities, the craft, paddles, and safety gear such as buoyancy aids and helmets are provided. You’re welcome to bring your own kit if you already have it and prefer to use it, but it must meet recognised safety standards and be in good condition. Our team will be happy to check it before the session.
There may be some sessions where participants are expected to bring certain personal items such as water wear, footwear suitable for wet conditions, and a towel or changing robe. We recommend always checking in advance to avoid arriving unprepared.
You do not need to arrange personal insurance for the activities, as you will be covered under our centre’s public liability insurance while taking part. However, you may wish to consider your own personal cover for travel or specialist activity insurance, especially if you want to protect personal belongings.
Some activities based in certain areas, such as harbours, may require you to hold a permit. This is usually straightforward to purchase and is essential for legal access and safe participation. We will advise you where this is necessary and point you towards the correct place to arrange it.
Parking availability depends on the launch site we use. There are options for both paid and free parking, but spaces can be limited in peak times, so it’s worth arriving early. We’ll provide details of the most convenient locations once your session is confirmed.
As for changing facilities, not all sites have dedicated changing rooms. Many participants bring a towel or a changing robe to make life easier. There are usually cafés and public toilets nearby, but it’s best to come prepared for a more informal set-up.
It’s always a good idea to bring a towel or changing robe, plenty of drinking water, and snacks to keep your energy up during or after the session. If you own suitable water wear, such as a wetsuit or rash vest, you may prefer to bring this along, but we can advise what’s most suitable for the weather and activity.
Footwear that can get wet and won’t slip off is recommended, as well as sunscreen and a hat if the forecast is sunny. A small waterproof bag for valuables is useful if you want to carry personal items, though we can usually provide secure storage while you’re on the water.
Children are welcome on certain activities, though the minimum age is usually 12 years old. All children must be accompanied by a parent or guardian throughout the session to ensure their safety and supervision. Group sizes for families or smaller bookings are normally between one and four people, making the experience more personal and manageable.
Pets unfortunately cannot take part in activities, as the sessions are not suitable or safe for them. If you’re travelling with a dog, it’s best to arrange alternative care during your time on the water.
All staff are fully trained to Paddle UK standards and many are also qualified lifeguards. They are experienced in coaching participants of all levels, from complete beginners to those working towards higher qualifications, and always put safety first.
When it comes to specific coastlines or waterways, conditions can change quickly. Even if the weather looks calm, factors such as tides, currents, and wind can affect safety. Our instructors have the knowledge to plan safe routes, and if you’re ever unsure, we recommend joining a guided session rather than going out alone.
Yes, there are campsites, B&Bs, hotels, and holiday rentals close to the activity areas. Camping is a popular option in some regions, and local farms or campgrounds often provide good facilities within a short distance.
If camping isn’t your preference, there are plenty of hotels and self-catering options in the surrounding towns and villages. We’re happy to provide recommendations depending on whether you’re looking for budget-friendly, family-oriented, or more comfortable accommodation.
About the centre
Portland Harbour, Portland, Dorset, DT4 9JZ
We partner with Rewilding Britain to help protect our natural spaces for future adventures.
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Operated by Breakwater Coaching, a partner of adventuro.
